Oscar Winning Performances from the Past 50 Years, Ranked

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences issues the be-all and end-all of acting awards in the United States: the coveted Oscar. Only one man and one woman get to win the Academy Awards for leading roles every year, but which of the performances turned in by the talented and highly-praised actors below are truly the best of the best? This list ranks the best Oscar-winning performances by actors and actresses in leading roles over the last 50 years – since 1966.

These performances were (according to the Academy) the absolute best that each year had to offer. But which of those is the absolute best? Is it the iconic portrayal of Vito Corleone turned in by Marlon Brando in The Godfather? Maybe it’s Meryl Streep in Sophie’s Choice? Or is it a more recent recipient? Maybe Julianne Moore in Still Alice or Eddie Redmayne in TheTheory of Everything? Use your votes to decide!

Below you’ll find the best leading performances since the 1966 Academy Awards – honoring films released in 1965, through to today. Vote up your the leading performances by an actor or actress you think were the best and see your picks rise to the top!